Techniques for transferring status information between an accessory and a multi-communication device

ABSTRACT

A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, provides I/O serial protocol, and to provide an output video. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from and is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/209,970, filed Sep. 12, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,587,540, issued Sep. 8, 2009, entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR TRANSFERRING STATUS INFORMATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/209,970 which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 10/833,689, filed Apr. 27, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,062, issued Oct. 21, 2008, entitled “CONNECTOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR ENABLING DATA COMMUNICATION WITH A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The contents of the following related applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes:

(1) U.S. application Ser. No. 12/209,962 entitled “CONNECTOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE” filed Sep. 12, 2008 (U.S. Publication No. 2009/0006700, published Jan. 1, 2009), now U.S. Pat. No. 7,660,929, issued Feb. 9, 2010;

(2) U.S. application Ser. No. 12/210,022 entitled “CONNECTOR INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR ENABLING DATA COMMUNICATION WITH A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE” filed Sep. 12, 2008 (U.S. Publication No. 2009/0013110, published Jan. 8, 2009); and

(3) U.S. application Ser. No. 12/209,993 entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR TRANSFERRING INFORMATION BETWEEN AN ACCESSORY AND A MULTI-COMMUNICATION DEVICE” filed Sep. 12, 2008 (U.S. Publication No. 2009/0013096, published Jan. 8, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to multi-communication devices and more particularly to a connector interface system for such devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multi-communication devices are utilized in a variety of environments. What is meant by a multi-communication device is a device such as MP3 player, or other type of device that receives video, audio, and a variety of other digital data and can provide an output of the data. As these devices proliferate, a connector interface specification becomes more important, and also insuring that a particular multi-communications device interfaces appropriately with the appropriate external devices becomes more important.

In a typical connector interface, there is a docking connector that allows for the docking of the multi-communications device to a docking station for another type of communication for the device. A multi-communication device also typically includes a remote connector with the ability to output audio. As more multi-media content becomes available (i.e., digital video graphics, etc.) it is desirable to have a multi-media device which can effectively input and output such data.

Finally, such an interface typically has some sort of protocol to control device features from an external device and it also is desirable for the protocol to help the user sort and search for data faster and in an efficient manner. Heretofore, there is no device that includes features that overcome many of the above-stated problems. What is desired is a connector interface system which is utilized in such a device to address all the above-identified issues. The present invention addresses such a need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The connector interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, and output video using an I/O serial protocol. Heretofore, all these features have not been implemented in a connector. Therefore, this would allow for a standard headphone cable to be plugged in but also for special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables to be utilized in such a system. The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a docking connector in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate the remote connector in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates the connection pin designations for the docking connector.

FIG. 3B illustrates the connection pin designations for the remote connector.

FIG. 4A illustrates the Firewire connector interface.

FIG. 4B illustrates the USB connector interface.

FIG. 4C illustrates a reference schematic diagram for accessory detect and identify system for detecting and identifying accessories for the docking connector.

FIG. 4D is a reference schematic of an electret microphone that is within the remote connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates generally to multi-communication devices and more particularly to a connector interface system for such devices. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

Connector System Overview

To describe the features of the connector system in accordance with the present invention in more detail, refer now to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Docking Connector

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a docking connector 100 in accordance with the present invention. Referring first to FIG. 1A, the keying features 102 are of a custom length 104. In addition, a specific key arrangement where one set of keys are separated by one length are at the bottom and another set of keys are separated by another length at the top of the connector is used. The use of this key arrangement prevents noncompliant connectors from being plugged in and causing potential damage to the device. The connector for power utilizes a Firewire specification for power. The connector includes a first make/last break contact to implement this scheme. FIG. 1B illustrates the first make/last break contact 202 and also illustrates a ground pin and a power pin related to providing an appropriate first mate/last break contact. In this example, the ground pin 204 is longer than the power pin 206. Therefore, the ground pin 204 would contact its mating pin in the docking accessory before the power pin 206. Therefore internal electrical damage of the electronics of the device is minimized.

In addition, a connector interface system in accordance with the present invention uses both USB and Firewire interfaces as part of the same docking connector alignment, thereby making the design more compatible with different types of interfaces, as will be discussed in detail hereinafter. In so doing, more remote systems and devices can interface with the multi-communication device.

Remote Connector

The connection interface system also includes a remote connector which provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, and output video using an I/O serial protocol. FIG. 2A is a front and top view of a remote connector 200 in accordance with the present invention. As is seen, the remote connector 200 includes a top headphone receptacle 202, as well as, a second receptacle 204 for remote devices. FIG. 2B illustrates a plug 300 to be utilized in the remote connector. The plug 300 allows the features to be provided via the remote connector. FIG. 2C illustrates the plug 300 inserted into the remote connector 200. Heretofore, all these features have not been implemented in a remote connector. Therefore, a standard headphone cable can be plugged in but also special remote control cables, microphone cables, video cables could be utilized with the remote connector.

Serial Protocol

The connector interface system also includes a serial protocol. The protocol is utilized to allow external devices to control the multi-communication device. These controls help a user sort and display for data more efficiently utilizing the device. A representation list of controls includes, but are not limited to:

Next album

Previous album

Next chapter

Previous chapter

Next play list

Previous play list

Shuffle setting advance

Repeat setting advance

Backlight for 30 seconds

Begin fast forward

Begin rewind

To describe the features of the connector interface system in more detail, please find below a functional description of the docking connector, remote connector and a serial protocol in accordance with the present invention.

Docking and Remote Connector Specifications

For an example of the connector pin designations for both the docking connector and for the remote connector for a multi-communication device such as an iPod device by Apple Inc., refer now to FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3A illustrates the connector pin designations for the docking connector. FIG. 3B illustrates the connection pin designations for the remote connector.

Docking Connector Specifications

FIG. 4A illustrates a typical FireWire connector interface for the docking connector:

FireWire Power:

a) 8V-30V DC IN

b) 10 W Max

FireWire:

a) Designed to IEEE 1394 A Spec (400 Mb/s)

FIG. 4B illustrates the USB connector interface.

USB 2.0:

a) Designed to USB 2.0 High Speed Spec

b) The USB Power (pin 8 on the 30-pin connector) is not used for powering device; only used to detect a USB host connection.

FIG. 4C illustrates a reference schematic diagram for accessory detect and identify system for detecting and identifying accessories for the docking connector. The system comprises:

a) A simple resistor to ground allows the device to determine what has been plugged into docking connector. There is an internal pullup on Accessory Identify.

b) Two pins required (Accessory Identify & Accessory Detect)

Serial Protocol Communication:

a) Two pins are used to communicate to and from device (Rx & Tx)

b) Input & Output (0V=Low; 3.3V=High)

c) A device with an identity resistor (ID #13) is a serial dock accessory.

A device coupled to the docking connector allows for a standard serial protocol to be utilized. Attaching a serial dock accessory makes any top-attached (remote connector) accessories inactive.

Line Level Input (Left & Right):

a) Stereo audio input b) Input Level 1V RMS (max)

a) Chassis ground is tied to specified pins

b) Digital ground should not be tied to Audio Return

Remote Connector Specifications

Audio Out:

a) Stereo Output per channel volume controlled by device

Mono Mic In:

a) Mono mic in through Left channel

b) Filtered electret power supplied by internal device

FIG. 4D is a reference schematic of an electret microphone that is within the remote connector.

Serial Protocol Communication:

a) Two pins used to communicate to and from device (Rx & Tx)

b) Input & Output (0V=Low, 3.3V=High)

Serial Protocol

Protocol Generalities

As previously mentioned, another feature of the present invention is the use of a serial protocol for allowing features to be implemented for remote devices. In a preferred embodiment, the protocol builds upon a signaling protocol, such as the RS-232 serial specification. However, the signaling levels are nonstandard. In true RS-232, a mark is −7V and a space is 7V. In this protocol, a mark is 3.3V and a space is 0V. The signaling rate for this protocol is 19,200 bps. All signaling is at 8 bits data, no parity and one stop bit (8-N−1).

This protocol is to be used in both directions of a link. Every device is encouraged to implement both sending and receiving capabilities. It is be possible to determine the direction (host to device or device to host) of a packet from its contents only. This means that no packet is valid for sending from both the host and device.

All devices must be able to handle variable-length packets. For example, even though an identify packet currently has no defined data, a device must be able to understand an identify packet with data and should respond to the best of its ability. It must at least not lose sync to the packet signaling.

Lingo Specifications

Lingo ID General 0x00 Microphone 0x01 Simple Remote 0x02 Display Remote 0x03 RF transmitter 0x05

The general lingo is shared for housekeeping commands across all devices. The microphone lingo is used by the remote connector on the multi-communication device. The simple remote lingo is used by a standard in-line remote control. The display remote lingo is reserved for a device with similar functionality to the standard remote but with a display for status.

General Lingo Specification

Command ID Data Length Request identify 0x00 0x00   Identify 0x01 0x01+

The host may send a request identify to the device to ask the device to reidentify itself.

The device sends an identify packet to identify itself. At this time multifunction (combo) devices are not supported. The identify data payload is thus the command ID 0x01 followed by a single byte of the same value as the lingo specification of the functionality the device implements unless specified otherwise. The identify packet returned in response to a request identify packet does not need to have the extra sync bytes and delays used during the startup process.

Simple Remote Lingo Specification

Command ID Data Length Buttons status 0x00 0x00+

A simple remote device sends a buttons status command to indicate an updated status of which buttons are held down. The data of the packet is a number of bytes indicating which buttons are currently held down. The bytes are made up by ORing the masks of the buttons together. The device will send a 0x00 in data (or no data) to indicate all buttons are released. While any buttons are held down the device should repeat this packet on a predetermined interval. If no packet of this sort is received by the host for 200 ms the host may assume a packet was lost and go to “all buttons up” mode.

A representative simple remote button map is shown below:

Simple Remote Button Map

Button Number Byte No, Mask Play/Pause 0 0, 0x01 Volume Up 1 0, 0x02 Volume Down 2 0, 0x04 Next Track 3 0, 0x08 Previous Track 4 0, 0x10 Next Album 5 0, 0x20 Previous Album 6 0, 0x40 Stop 7 0, 0x80 Play/Resume 8 1, 0x01 Pause 9 1, 0x02 Mute toggle 10 1, 0x04 Next Chapter 11 1, 0x08 Previous Chapter 12 1, 0x10 Next Playlist 13 1, 0x20 Previous Playlist 14 1, 0x40 Shuffle setting advance 15 1, 0x80 Repeat setting advance 16 2, 0x01 Power On 17 2, 0x02 Power Off 18 2, 0x04 Backlight for 30 seconds 19 2, 0x08 Begin FF 20 2, 0x10 Begin REW 22 2, 0x20

The use of the button remote map allows for features that heretofore have not been utilized in multi-communication devices such as an iPod device manufactured by Apple Inc.

A connector interface system for a communication device is disclosed. The interface includes a docking connector. The docking connector includes first make/last break contacts that minimize internal damage to the internal electronics. The docking connector also includes specific keying arrangement to prevent noncompliant connectors from being plugged in, and thereby minimizes potential damage to the multi-communication device. The remote connector provides for the ability to output audio, input audio, and output video using an I/O serial protocol. The connector interface also includes a serial protocol to control device features. These controls help a user sort and search for data more efficiently within the device.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method for operating a multi-communication device communicatively coupled with an accessory, the method comprising: detecting, by the accessory, an event corresponding to a user activating at least one of a plurality of controls of the accessory, the plurality of controls including a play/pause control, a volume up control, and a volume down control; and transmitting, by the accessory to the multi-communication device, a status bitmask comprising a plurality of status bits, each status bit being associated with a control in the plurality of controls, wherein the play/pause, volume up, and volume down controls are associated with status bits in a lowest-order byte of the status bitmask.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of controls further include a next track control, a previous track control, a next album control, a previous album control, and a stop control, and wherein the next track, previous track, next, album, previous album, and stop controls are also associated with status bits in the lowest-order byte.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the status bits associated with the play/pause, volume up, and volume down controls precede the status bits associated with the next track, previous track, next, album, previous album, and stop controls in the lowest-order byte.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the plurality of controls further include a play/resume control, a pause control, and a mute toggle control, and wherein the play/resume, pause, and mute toggle controls are associated with status bits in a second lowest-order byte of the status bitmask.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the plurality of controls further include a next chapter control, a previous chapter control, a next playlist control, a previous playlist control, and a shuffle setting advance control, and wherein the next chapter, previous chapter, next playlist, previous playlist, and shuffle setting advance controls are also associated with status bits in the second lowest-order byte.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the status bits associated with the play/resume, pause, and mute toggle controls precede the status bits associated with the next chapter, previous chapter, next playlist, previous playlist, and shuffle setting advance controls in the second lowest-order byte.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein the plurality of controls further include a repeat setting advance control, a power on control, and a power off control, and wherein the repeat setting advance, power on, and power off controls are associated with status bits in a third lowest-order byte of the status bitmask.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the plurality of controls further include a backlight control, a begin fast-forward control, and a begin rewind control, and wherein the backlight, begin fast-forward, and begin rewind controls are also associated with status bits in the third lowest-order byte.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the status bits associated with the repeat setting advance, power on, and power off controls precede the status bits associated with the backlight, begin fast-forward, and begin rewind controls in the third lowest-order byte.
 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: detecting, by the accessory, when the at least one control is no longer activated; and transmitting, by the accessory to the multi-communication device, another status bitmask, wherein each status bit in the another status bit mask is set to a state indicating that its associated control is not activated.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the accessory is configured to continuously transmit the status bitmask to the multi-communication device at a predetermined interval while the at least one control remains activated.
 12. An accessory capable of being communicatively coupled with a multi-communication device, the accessory comprising: a plurality of controls; and a control component configured to: detect an event corresponding to a user activating at least one of a plurality of controls of the accessory, the plurality of controls including a play/pause control, a volume up control, and a volume down control; and transmit to the multi-communication device a status bitmask comprising a plurality of status bits, each status bit being associated with a control in the plurality of controls, wherein the play/pause, volume up, and volume down controls are associated with status bits in a lowest-order byte of the status bitmask.
 13. The accessory of claim 12 wherein the plurality of controls further include a next track control, a previous track control, a next album control, a previous album control, and a stop control, and wherein the next track, previous track, next, album, previous album, and stop controls are also associated with status bits in the lowest-order byte.
 14. The accessory of claim 13 wherein the status bits associated with the play/pause, volume up, and volume down controls precede the status bits associated with the next track, previous track, next, album, previous album, and stop controls in the lowest-order byte.
 15. The accessory of claim 12 wherein the status bitmask is transmitted via a connector of the accessory, and wherein the connector includes: a plurality of pins configured to mate with a corresponding plurality of pins of a connector of the multi-communication device; and an accessory-identifying resistor connected between two of the plurality of pins.
 16. A method for operating an accessory communicatively coupled with a multi-communication device, the method comprising: detecting, by the multi-communication device, an event corresponding to a user activating at least one of a plurality of controls of the multi-communication device, the plurality of controls including a play/pause control, a volume up control, and a volume down control; and transmitting, by the multi-communication device to the accessory, a status bitmask comprising a plurality of status bits, each status bit being associated with a control in the plurality of controls, wherein the play/pause, volume up, and volume down controls are associated with status bits in a lowest-order byte of the status bitmask.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the plurality of controls further include a next track control, a previous track control, a next album control, a previous album control, and a stop control, and wherein the next track, previous track, next, album, previous album, and stop controls are also associated with status bits in the lowest-order byte.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the status bits associated with the play/pause, volume up, and volume down controls precede the status bits associated with the next track, previous track, next, album, previous album, and stop controls in the lowest-order byte.
 19. A multi-communication device capable of being communicatively coupled with an accessory, the multi-communication device comprising: a plurality of controls; and a control component configured to: detect an event corresponding to a user activating at least one of a plurality of controls of the multi-communication device, the plurality of controls including a play/pause control, a volume up control, and a volume down control; and transmit to the accessory a status bitmask comprising a plurality of status bits, each status bit being associated with a control in the plurality of controls, wherein the play/pause, volume up, and volume down controls are associated with status bits in a lowest-order byte of the status bitmask.
 20. The multi-communication device of claim 19 wherein the plurality of controls further include a next track control, a previous track control, a next album control, a previous album control, and a stop control, and wherein the next track, previous track, next, album, previous album, and stop controls are also associated with status bits in the lowest-order byte.
 21. The multi-communication device of claim 20 wherein the status bits associated with the play/pause, volume up, and volume down controls precede the status bits associated with the next track, previous track, next, album, previous album, and stop controls in the lowest-order byte.
 22. The multi-communication device of claim 19 wherein the status bitmask is transmitted via a connector of the multi-communication device, and wherein the connector includes: a plurality of pins configured to mate with a corresponding plurality of pins of a connector of the accessory; and an accessory-identifying resistor connected between two of the plurality of pins. 